ITV seeks to cut public service role

ITV chairman Michael Grade wants to slash £150m from its budget for public service broadcasting such as news, regional and children's programmes by 2012, when the analogue television signal will be switched off. It is calling on Ofcom, the regulator, to permit a sharp slide in ITV's licence requirements over the next three years. The move would leave the channel free to fill its schedule with entertainment and drama, which is more appealing to advertisers. (Via Sunday TImes)